Psychopathology

Question 1

Briefly outline the genetic explanation of OCD

Answer 1

It suggests that OCD is inherited and that specific genes cause it.

Question 2

What does the COMT gene do?

Answer 2

It regulates dopamine. A variation of this gene results in higher levels which is more common in OCD patients

Question 3

What does the SERT gene do?

Answer 3

It affects the transport of serotonin, causing lower levels of serotonin

Question 4

Briefly outline the neural explanation of OCD

Answer 4

It focuses on neurotransmitters and structures of the brain. It suggests that abnormal levels of serotonin and dopamine, as well as the basal and orbitofrontal cortex, are implicated in OCD

Question 5

How does research support the role of serotonin in OCD?

Answer 5

When examining anti-depressants, it was found that drugs which increase serotonin are effective in treating OCD patients,

Question 6

How does high dopamine levels affect OCD patients?

Answer 6

It is associated with symptoms like compulsive behaviours

Question 7

What does the basal ganglia do?

Answer 7

It is involved in coordination of movement

Question 8

What do head injuries in the basal ganglia do?

Answer 8

It develops OCD-like symptoms

Question 9

What did Max et al. found?- OCD

Answer 9

When the basal ganglia is disconnected from the frontal cortex during surgery, OCD-like symptoms are reduced.

Question 10

What does the orbitofrontal cortex do?

Answer 10

It converts sensory info into thoughts and actions

Question 11

What have PET scans found with higher activity in the orbitofrontal cortex?

Answer 11

It is more common in OCD patients. This may be dur to the increased conversion of sensory info to actions which results in compulsions. This prevents them from stopping their behaviour.

Question 12

Evaluate of the genetic explanation of OCD

Answer 12

• S: Research support for the vulnerability to OCD due to genes. One source is twin studies (Nestadt et al.) Another is family studies (Marini and Stebnicki)
• L: Environmental risk factors are involved. Crorner et al. found that over half of OCD patients in their sample had a traumatic event in their past.

Question 13

What did Nestadt et al. find?

Answer 13

Reviewed twin studies. Found that 68% of MZ twins shared OCD compared to 31% of DZ twins

Question 14

What did Marini and Stebnicki find?

Answer 14

A person with a family emmer with OCD is around 4X more likely to develop it.

Question 15

Evaluate the neural explanation of OCD?

Answer 15

• S: Antidepressants that work on serotonin reduce symptoms. Also, symptoms form parts of biological conditions like Parkinson’s disease that causes muscle tremors/paralysis (Nestadt et al.)
• L:The serotonin-OCD link isn’t unique to OCD. Many OCD patients have depression which affects serotonin action.

Question 16

What is co-morbidity?

Answer 16

When someone has 2 disorders together

Question 17

What are 2 biological treatments for OCD?

Answer 17

Anti-depressant and Anti-anxiety drugs

Question 18

How do SSRIs work?

Answer 18

When serotonin is released from the pre-synaptic cell into the synapse, it travels to the receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron. Serotonin not absorbed into the post neuron is reabsorbed into the pre neuron. SSRIs increase serotonin in the synapse by preventing the reabsorption. This increases levels in the synapse and the post neuron.

Question 19

What is the daily dosage of the SSRI fluoexetine?

Answer 19

20mg but can be increased if not benefitting the person.

Question 20

How long does it take for SSRIs to work?

Answer 20

After about 3-4 months of daily usage

Question 21

Why are drugs usually combined with CBT to treat OCD?

Answer 21

The drugs reduce emotional symptoms like anxiety or depression so OCD patients can engage more effectively in CBT

Question 22

What are benzodiazepines?

Answer 22

A range of anti-anxiety drugs e.g. Valium and Diazepam. They work by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA.

Question 23

What does GABA do?

Answer 23

It tells the neurons in the brain to ‘slow down’ and stop firing. Around 40% of neurons in the brain respond to it. BZs have a quietening effect on the brain, reducing anxiety and obsessive thoughts.

Question 24

Evaluate the biological treatment of OCD- strengths

Answer 24

• SSRIs reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Mustafa et al. studied 17 studies that compared SSRIs with placebos + found SSRIs to be more effective.
• Drugs are cost-effective and non-disruptive to people’s lives. 1000s of drugs can be made in the time of one session of therapy.

Question 25

Evaluate the biological treatment for OCD- limitations

Answer 25

• Drugs may be effect for most but not the most effective treatment. Skapinakis et al. concluded that both cognitive and behavioural therapies are more effective.
• Potential side effects like indigestion, blurred vision and loss of sex drive. Those taking tricyclic clomipramine have serious side effects that are more common like erection problems and weight gain as well as heart issues.